The Right Way to Mix Business with Pleasure

When Professionals Find Their Passion

 

By Tiffani Murray IT Consultant / Event Coordinator MPN Metro Correspondent tmurray@minorityprofessionalnetwork.com

"I love what I do!"  How many times do we get up and go to work reciting this mantra?

Many of those in the working world decide that it is worth the money or prestige to put the goals they had in high school or college on the back burner while pursuing what seems logical and secure.  Others feel like they never have the time or the resources to stop doing what they rely on to get the bills paid, so they can step out on faith, and try something others will deem radical, misdirected, or even ridiculous.   People generally live half of their lives before recognizing that they have forced their one true passion far out of scope for a certain profession, profit, or promotion. 

 “I do believe that most people give up their true passions.  I believe that the number one culprit is fear.  It could be fear of leaving the ‘security’ of their jobs or fear of pursuing something that is not mainstream or acceptable.  Whatever the rationale, it is still fear.” Says Paul Johnson full time employee of Lucent Technologies and member of OurGlass Theatre, an Atlanta based theatrical troupe dedicated to the presentation of African-American historical events through drama that provides a venue for performers to demonstrate a love and talent for the stage.

It does not matter how old you are it is never too late or too early to start doing the things in life that bring you a sense of fulfillment, joy, and accomplishment.  It is true that some of our passions may not be conducive to the lifestyle we enjoy living and in those cases it is even more important that we find extra time to explore them and consider how to make our passion more profitable. 

What are passions?  It is a reality that some people have been in the daily grind so long that they do not know what passion is.  According to Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary passion is a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept.  It is something that you are excited to get out of bed to do.  It is something that you would willingly do for free because it is just that fulfilling.

Yvette Johnson also an IT Professional at Lucent and cast member or OurGlass says, “Passions are simply what bring you joy!  Pursuing your true passion provides satisfaction, even when you have burdens, or responsibilities that require your attention.  Having the opportunity to engage in your passion often makes other worries less important.”

For some it is painting, writing, or web design.  Perhaps your boss collects stamps, sings karaoke on the weekends, or even drives racecars in the summer.  Some of your colleagues may have an overwhelming enthusiasm for financial planning, building or repairing, gardening, and even basket weaving.  You might find some of the extracurricular activities your friends engage in strange or unappealing, but if you are honest, you can find something in your life that you are just as passionate about.

How do we live our passion?  What do we have to do to mix the business of making the money we need to survive with the pleasures of our favorite past times?  There are several ways in which this can be done.  The most common way that people probably realize some of their more exciting dreams is to build on them in their spare time.  Many professionals belong to clubs, organizations, or social groups of people that do what they love to do.   These settings provide a venue for professionals to exert their energies more directly toward things they like or have an interest in. 

Director of OurGlass Theatre and CIO Project Manager at Lucent Technologies Joyce Barnes says, “OurGlass combines so many things I love to do-write, direct, act, and view plays, read and "experience" history, and celebrate my African-American heritage. The benefit of my profession, as it relates to my "passion," is that I come in contact with people and can therefore spread the news about OurGlass and our mission and vision.” 

A second way that the working world can incorporate passions into life is to make them part of the way they make a living.  Entrepreneurship is one way that more and more people are making sure they get up every morning saying “I love what I do.”  For them it is much more fulfilling to put up with the same stresses of a corporate business when it is toward the manifestation of a personal dream and to top it all off they run and own it.   

A third option is to find a job in the workforce that is most in line with your passion.  You may not have had formalized training in that area, but no matter where you start in most companies you almost always have the chance to move around provided you illustrate an interest in or ability to do the work.

Regardless of what method one chooses to incorporate their passions into their life or mesh them with their current profession they will undoubtedly run into unique obstacles.

However, there are some common roadblocks that are shared among all who wish to trade in their day jobs for one they truly love.

Barnes readily shares her two biggest hurdles.  “Time and money, as always, are the hurdles.  To truly excel in what I want to do, I would love to spend all day, every day, doing it.  To provide for my family, I must spend most of my days at my IT job.  I am grateful to have a job, but there are days when I wish I could chuck it all and immerse myself in the characters and stories filling my mind on any given day.”

Despite the factors that hold us back it is important to remain positive and persistent.  Johnson concludes, “My job takes up so much of my time.  I am optimistic that some day that will change, and I will be able to pursue my passions full time.”

Living dreams and fulfilling our destinies are our pathways to happiness and true success.  We serve ourselves best when we remain cognizant of our calling in life or the search for it and diligently move our lives toward answering that call.

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